There was a hint of speed to come at the opening of this year’s Consumer Electronics Fair in Las Vegas when the FIA sanctioned Formula E Championship Series unveiled its first all-electric race car to the world. A very mixed crowd of racing fans, tech geeks and environmentalists jockeyed for a glimpse of the Spark-Renault SRT-01E.
As Tesla paves its way into the Chinese market this year, an innovative local rival is already making headway, with home ground advantage. Kandi Technologies produces compact EVs that can travel 75 miles on a full charge and reach a speed of 50 mph. Not exactly impressive if compared to Tesla’s Model S, which can go 300 miles and has a top speed of 130 mph, but Kandi’s cars serve the purpose of short range trips for the millions crowded into the populous city of Hangzhou, like a weekend trip to the mall, for instance. And with a patented side slide, quick battery swap technology in place, range anxiety can be eased somewhat.
A recent study commissioned by Harley Davidson found that females who ride motorbikes tend to possess higher self-esteem and are more contented with their lives.
After 3 battery fires that brought on an onslaught of bad publicity, Tesla is the subject of some positive headlines as we wrap up the year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reconfirmed the highest safety rating of 5-star for the 2014 Tesla Model S.
It has not been an easy year for Toyota Camry. The perennial winner of best-selling car in the US seemed to be in danger of losing its grasp on the title, which it has won for the past 11 consecutive years.
World famous actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, has announced that he is setting up a team for next year’s inaugural Formula E championship, which is due to begin in September. He will be in a paddock studded with business and racing greats, such as British entrepreneur, Richard Branson, and Mario Andretti, to name just a few.